She loves to go dancing and hang out with friends on Friday and Saturday nights, sometimes hitting two or three hot spots in one evening, always accompanied by her designated driver. She’s Wanda Clark, and she’s 93 years old.

Christine Engstrom

She loves to go dancing and hang out with friends on Friday and Saturday nights, sometimes hitting two or three hot spots in one evening, always accompanied by her designated driver. She’s unfailingly polite, though she doesn’t have much patience for “old folks who sit at home and gripe.” She has a fondness for motorcycles and rock and roll. She’s a philosopher, a painter, a poet and a bit of a local celebrity.

She’s Wanda Clark, and she’s 93 years old.

That’s right. This two-steppin’, Harley-ridin’ party girl was born April 25, 1915, the year that gave us the phonograph, the zipper, the bra and the crossword puzzle. Woodrow Wilson was president, the nation’s population hit 100 million and the price of a gallon of gas was a whopping 25 cents.

Clark recently celebrated her 93rd birthday with her friends at Danny’s Bar and Grill in New Philadelphia, where she has been a regular for a little over a year.

“She’s not your typical granny, that’s for sure,” said Susie Homan, co-owner of Danny’s.
Make that great-great-granny. At 4 a.m. on her birthday, Clark became a great-great-grandmother for the seventh time with the arrival of little Claire.

Clark joins the gang at Danny’s each week, courtesy of her designated driver, 83-year-old Evelyn Waite. Clark has macular degeneration of the eyes and depends on Waite to drive her to all her appointments and social engagements. They met as young women in the Women’s Relief Corps.

With her zest for life and her generous spirit, Clark quickly won a place in the hearts of the gang at Danny’s, as well as a place of honor on the wall. A framed picture of the nonagenarian hangs just inside the door, right above a photo of Marilyn Monroe.

“Wanda’s very inspirational,” said owner Danny Homan. “She motivates us all in this place. She’s a real joy to have here.”

Clark uses a special magnifying glass for reading, painting and poetry writing.
Among her many accomplishments, Clark currently serves as vice president and chaplain of the Tuscarawas County AARP. She’s a social member of both the Dover and New Philadelphia VFWs and a College of Regents member of the Women of Moose. A former beautician, Clark operated Wanda’s Hairstyling salon above the former H&A Drug Store in New Philadelphia for 27 years.

She also has the distinction of being the oldest living member of the First Church of the Brethren in New Philadelphia.

“My grandpa used to bring me to church in a horse and buggy,” she said.

In 1932, Clark married Bob Clark, now deceased, a former New Philadelphia policeman. The two had one child, daughter Roberta. Today, in addition to her daughter, Clark has three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

In honor of her 93rd birthday, the family at Danny’s surprised Clark with a tribute.

Friends started filing in around 5:30 carrying flowers, balloons and cards. Susie Homan made Clark a picture collage of photos taken at Danny’s. “Mad Dog,” also known as John Menapace of Dover, had a special cake brought in.

By 6, the bar was at standing-room-only capacity, save two empty chairs reserved for Clark and Waite. The crowd cheered as Clark entered the room in a cloud of Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds, her signature scent, decked out in a turquoise-and-black pantsuit.

After greeting her friends and exchanging hugs, Clark addressed the crowd. “Today I’m only 33,945 days old,” she announced, followed by, “When do I get to ride the Harley?”
Moments later Clark, sporting a pair of amber-tinted goggles, with a little help, climbed up behind Mad Dog on his 1996 Harley Fat-Boy. Spectators spilled out of Danny’s and into the alleyway to watch, some with cameras.

“Watch where you put your hands,” teased Mad Dog before taking Clark for a spin around the block.

When they returned moments later, Mad Dog motioned to Waite, whom he admitted gets overlooked at times, “being a mere 83.”

“You’re turn, sweetheart!” he shouted over the din of the Harley’s roaring engine.
Back in the bar, Clark stood behind the table displaying her birthday cake and recited, by memory, one of her poems titled “The Youth of Age” to a captive audience. More than one patron wiped away tears. The crowd sang “Happy Birthday” and cheered as Clark blew out the candles.

“I come here because I like the young people,” Clark later said. “This is my family.”

Whether she’s reciting poetry or kicking up her heels on the dance floor, Clark inspires those who know her.

“She’s not waiting on death, she’s living her life,” Denny Henke said.

The Times-Reporter

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.